Mitsidi presents research results on the Oil and Gas sector in Rio de Janeiro

Oil and gas exploration and production are highly energy-intensive industrial activities. Both constitute the basis of several production chains, such as fuel refining and the production of primary materials for other industries. It is very likely that in the future it will be feasible to obtain some of the raw materials through alternative methods, as indicated by some studies.

Brazil is one of the pioneers in offshore oil production, and has extensive operating experience. Its potential has been greatly increased in recent years with the inclusion of reserves in the pre-salt block.

New challenges arise. Among the main ones have emerged the need to drill through a thick layer of salt, the large CO2 flows associated with production, and the complex logistics of operating platforms more than 250 miles from the continent in ultra-deep waters (greater than 1,500 meters deep). CO2 in the reservoirs, a necessity for the wells to continue to be commercially explored.

With the volatility of the price of oil, energy efficiency is starting to have greater importance. Previously unexplored projects, ignored due to the sector's low interest in reducing their energy intensity, are starting to appear. In short: many efficiency actions, previously outdated, start to have payback in times of crisis.

There is an obvious opportunity to recover heat from combustion gases, a measure that has been partially used to heat oil and gas extracted with the end of separation. In the case of pre-salt, however, since the well is very deep, the oil cools down as it rises.

The efficiency of the processes carried out brings with it benefits in terms of reducing greenhouse gas emissions. In developed countries such as Norway, France and much of Europe, there is a taxation for supply companies on CO2 emissions. This is the type of measure that ends up generating economic interest in reducing emissions.

A trend that needs to be closely monitored in Brazil is the generation of energy with more efficient thermodynamic cycles, which are integrated with CO2 capture systems. There are several alternative power cycles, some with maritime applications, such as the combined cycle with steam turbines.

A technical forecast assessment of the implementation of Combined Cycle and CO2 Capture by chemical consultation was developed (Hamilton Ortiz, 2016) with the guidance of Professor Waldyr Gallo from Unicamp and financing from the BG Group. The results of the study were presented at the Rio Oil&Gas 2016 International Congress, held last week at Riocentro.

Results

The research showed a gain of approximately 24% in electricity generation, making available an amount that could be sent to the continent, considering a carbon capture efficiency of 85%. There was also an improvement in the efficiency of the centrifugal compressors for CO2 injection, equipment that is already part of the design of the platforms and would be better used if they captured the gases released into the atmosphere.

The analyses were performed through energy simulation of the power generation processes, fluid treatment and process water, considering the design of the machines and their operation at partial load. emissions, after all there are technologies available on the market already being applied in other regions of the world, such as the North Sea and Japan, in the form of “power islands”. Congress. The access code is RioOil2016.